G38 magazine capacity is restricted only by the laws of physics. By the way, if a G30 holds 10, why does the G36 only hold 6?

sgt rock

01-30-2010, 22:25

Do you think it might be because the mag is thinner than the G30?

My fault, i should have expanded my question a little more. Im just trying to figure out why they couldnt make the grip wider to fit more rounds. To be honest ive never held either pistol so its hards to visualize the differences.

DannyR

01-31-2010, 02:26

Sgt Rock,

The purpose of the .45GAP is to fit a .45 caliber cartridge in a 9mm sized frame, and the G38 is a G19 size frame. If you want more ammo capacity and a wider grip there is the G30 chambered in .45ACP. It is about the same height and length as a G19, only wider. Ballistics are the same, so the choice is yours.

sgt rock

01-31-2010, 09:33

Sgt Rock,

The purpose of the .45GAP is to fit a .45 caliber cartridge in a 9mm sized frame, and the G38 is a G19 size frame. If you want more ammo capacity and a wider grip there is the G30 chambered in .45ACP. It is about the same height and length as a G19, only wider. Ballistics are the same, so the choice is yours.

I have small hands and have a little trouble with most 45ACP grips like my HK 45c, width isnt a problem but the length is just a little long, i figured this would be the same with the G30. This is why it keeps rolling around in my head why they couldnt have the shorter lenght G19 grip but just a little wider like the G30 to accept more rounds. My thinking is along the lines of the springfield Xd, the grip is more like a box. I guess my love of Glock pistols has me a little confused as to why Glock didnt take advantage of the GAP's short length. Maybe it was easier to use the G19 frame rather than reengineering the whole pistol. And no i dont want an XD.

Thx-1138

01-31-2010, 10:00

Well, they did take advantage of the shorter length. They just didn't make the grip wider. IMO, when designing a cartridge and gun with the specific intent to market it to people with smaller hands, I think they made the right choice.

What I'd REALLY like to see is metal mags for the G37/38/39; that would increase the interior dimensions of the magazines & increase the capacity, all without altering the gun. Might need a sturdier mag release so the mag doesn't tear it to pieces.

DannyR

01-31-2010, 11:43

The NY, PA, SC and GA State Police agencies are very happy with their 10-round G37's. Florida Highway Patrol just selected the G37 over the 13-round G21SF by a vote of 15 to 2. If you want a G38 and more mag capacity, either add a #7151 extended factory base or use G37 magazines with an A&G grip sleeve.

sgt rock

01-31-2010, 12:46

Well, they did take advantage of the shorter length. They just didn't make the grip wider. IMO, when designing a cartridge and gun with the specific intent to market it to people with smaller hands, I think they made the right choice.
..

If you look at the width specs of both pistols, G30 1.27 " and G38 1.18 " , i think they could have made it wider and not affect the small hand crowd.

I made a very quick mock up of what im thinking. I used strips of cork gasket material which was actually 0.03 wider than the 0.09 difference of the two pistols. I taped them to the sides of my Gen3 G19. The feeling of the grip was now more hand filling in the palm areas but didnt affect my reach to the trigger , even with my small hands. I wish i had a G30 in my hands to compare the grip with my mock up.

9mmdude

01-31-2010, 13:01

Sgt. Rock,

I own All the GAP glocks and a G30 and G30SF. Both the G30 and 30SF feel like a brick compared to my G38. Go with Danny's advice and get an extension. I can't see Glock manufacturing an entire frame to add another round.

sgt rock

01-31-2010, 13:13

Sgt. Rock,

I own All the GAP glocks and a G30 and G30SF. Both the G30 and 30SF feel like a brick compared to my G38. Go with Danny's advice and get an extension. I can't see Glock manufacturing an entire frame to add another round.

Understood, im looking at the G38 right now, it was more of a curiosity as to why they could or couldnt. What can i saw, im German ,got bored and wondered why .

DannyR

01-31-2010, 13:58

If you made the G38 just a little bit wider to hold 2 more rounds, you would have a G30SF. Just get the G30SF.

dragonmalice

01-31-2010, 15:04

The main goal when they designed the GAP was to make it fit into the existing 9mm frames. Start making the frame bigger, and they would have to make three new frame types that can only be used for the 37, 38, and 39.

The (heavy, steel framed) 1911 with 7 or 8 rd mags was Top Dog for 70+ years until the high-cap Wonder 9's and the 'spray & pray' crowd started popping up with the advent of better concealed carry laws and the M9 trials of the mid-'80's. The 8 rd mags for 1911's didn't even become prevalent until they were developed, tested, and refined in the action shooting games of the '70's and '80's. Most guys 'in-the-know' will still tell you 7 rd Wilsons are the best for carry, especially if you're using a 4" or 4.25" slide group. They're the only ones I find that I can be 100% confident will feed my LTC, and I never feel under-gunned when I'm packing it.

Bottom line: my 10 rd G37 mag with a +2 (11 rds) that I carry for a spare is more for peace of mind in case of a mechanical failure, and to balance my gun belt :supergrin:, than any expectation of real need. If I need more than 9 rds (8+1) of 45 GAP as a civilian CCW, I have SERIOUSLY 'effed up' my first line strategy of not being where I need the gun in the first place (i.e. picking a sidearm with a low round count is NOT my tactical error of concern at the time).

Cheers,
Kpr

BTW, the longer G37 mag and the +2 are more for added length and accessibility when carried in the vertical leg pocket of carpenter/cargo shorts here in VA in the summer than it is for the added capacity, and I just find it overall easier to get a hold of even from a weak side hip mag pouch. Otherwise I would just carry the stock 8 rd G38 mags for spares just like I do when I carry a 1911.

Maximus13

02-01-2010, 19:10

We are issued G 37 for on duty (PSP) The 10+1 is plenty ammo, we also carry 2 back up mags. I have not heard one complaint about these guns from anyone yet. I used to carry a G21 with a G 30 BUG and loved it. The GAP is more accurate and easier to carry + I liked it so much I bought a G 39 as a BUG. Carry it on my ankle with no problem.